California Lawyers Association Litigation and Appellate Summit 2026
The California Lawyers Association (CLA) is set to host the 10th Annual Litigation and Appellate Summit on May 14-15, 2026, at the JW Marriott San Francisco Union Square. This premier event is tailored for trial and appellate practitioners, offering a comprehensive program that includes keynote addresses, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.
The summit's agenda features a diverse range of sessions covering significant legislative and case law developments affecting trial courts, appellate courts, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Attendees can earn up to 12.75 hours of Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE), including 1.0 hour in Wellness Competence and 10.75 hours in Legal Specialization in Appellate Law. Notable sessions include "Strategies for Streamlined Arbitration and Appellate Arbitration Proceedings," "Trial Judgment, Appellate Precision: A Unified Litigation Strategy," and "Interactive Evidence 2.0: What You Haven't Heard Said About Hearsay."
The event also offers networking opportunities, including a reception and the Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame & Appellate Lawyer Hall of Fame Ceremony. Keynote speakers include State Senator Tom Umberg and California Supreme Court Justice Leondra Kruger. The summit is sponsored by organizations such as JAMS, Horvitz & Levy LLP, and Greines, Martin, Stein & Richland LLP.
This summit is ideal for trial and appellate lawyers seeking to stay updated on recent developments, enhance their skills, and network with peers in the legal community.
Speakers(27)
Aaron Gothelf
Vice President, Commercial Division at American Arbitration Association
Aaron Gothelf is the Vice President of the Commercial Division at the American Arbitration Association.
Bryce Young
Associate General Counsel at University of San Diego
Bryce Young is the Associate General Counsel at the University of San Diego.
Cynthia Tobisman
Attorney at Greines, Martin, Stein & Richland LLP
Cynthia Tobisman is an attorney at Greines, Martin, Stein & Richland LLP, specializing in appellate law.
George Wailes
Attorney at George Wailes Attorney at Law
George Wailes is the principal attorney at his own firm, handling a range of litigation and appellate cases.
Hon. Carl Chamberlin
Judge at Santa Clara County Superior Court
Hon. Carl Chamberlin serves as a judge at the Santa Clara County Superior Court, overseeing a variety of cases in the region.
Hon. Chad Stegeman
Judge at Alameda County Superior Court
Hon. Chad Stegeman serves as a judge at the Alameda County Superior Court.
Hon. Christopher Hite
Judge at Alameda County Superior Court
Hon. Christopher Hite is a judge at the Alameda County Superior Court.
Hon. Jon Streeter
Justice at California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District
Hon. Jon Streeter is a justice at the California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District.
Hon. Leondra Kruger
Associate Justice at Supreme Court of California
Hon. Leondra Kruger serves as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of California.
Hon. Mark Simons
Justice at California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District
Hon. Mark Simons serves as a justice at the California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District.
Hon. Michael Bishay
Judge at Alameda County Superior Court
Hon. Michael Bishay serves as a judge at the Alameda County Superior Court, presiding over various legal proceedings.
Hon. Nancy Fineman
Judge at San Mateo County Superior Court
Hon. Nancy Fineman serves as a judge at the San Mateo County Superior Court.
Hon. Sandra Margulies
Arbitrator at JAMS
Hon. Sandra Margulies is an arbitrator at JAMS, specializing in complex commercial disputes.
Hon. Tracie Brown
Justice at California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District
Hon. Tracie Brown is a justice at the California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District.
Hon. Victor Rodriguez
Justice at California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District
Hon. Victor Rodriguez serves as a justice at the California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District.
James Wagstaffe, Esq.
Attorney at Adamski Moroski Madden Cumberland & Green LLP
James Wagstaffe is an attorney at Adamski Moroski Madden Cumberland & Green LLP, specializing in complex litigation.
Jeremy Rosen
Partner at Horvitz & Levy LLP
Jeremy Rosen is a partner at Horvitz & Levy LLP, focusing on appellate litigation.
Jordanna Thigpen, Esq.
Lead Trial Attorney at Thigpen Legal, P.C.
Jordanna Thigpen is the lead trial attorney at Thigpen Legal, P.C., with extensive experience in trial and appellate advocacy.
Jose Cordova
Attorney at Law Office of Jose A Cordova
Jose Cordova is the principal attorney at the Law Office of Jose A Cordova, specializing in litigation and appellate law.
Julia Shear Kushner
Attorney at Law Office of Leslie Ellen Shear
Julia Shear Kushner practices law at the Law Office of Leslie Ellen Shear, focusing on complex litigation matters.
Marisa Janine-Page
Attorney at Marisa Janine-Page Appeals & Litigation
Marisa Janine-Page is an attorney specializing in appeals and litigation at her own firm.
Melanie Gold
Partner at Complex Appellate Litigation Group LLP
Melanie Gold is a partner at Complex Appellate Litigation Group LLP, focusing on appellate litigation.
Michelene Insalaco
Partner at Sucherman Insalaco LLP
Michelene Insalaco is a partner at Sucherman Insalaco LLP, specializing in appellate law.
Ruth Dapper
Attorney at DLA Piper LLP (US)
Ruth Dapper is an attorney at DLA Piper LLP (US), focusing on litigation and appellate matters.
Ryan Tacorda
Managing Attorney at California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District
Ryan Tacorda is the Managing Attorney at the California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District.
Senator Thomas J. Umberg
State Senator at California State Senate
Senator Thomas J. Umberg represents California's 34th Senate District, serving in the state legislature.
Timothy Hallahan
Instructor at Interactive Legal Skills
Timothy Hallahan is an instructor at Interactive Legal Skills, teaching legal professionals.
Event Details
- Date
- May 14-15, 2026
- 2 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 San Francisco, United States
- JW Marriott San Francisco Union Square
- Pricing
- $300 - $620
- Audience
- Trial and appellate lawyers, ADR practitioners, legal professionals
- CLE Credits
- Up to 12.75 hours of MCLE, including 1.0 hour in Wellness Competence and 10.75 hours in Legal Specialization in Appellate Law
- Attendees
- Not specified